Kiran Saeed, Programme Leader in Science Health & Education has been nominated by her learners for the Gateway Tutor of the Year Award.
The recognition has placed her among the top 10 tutors from 100 centres.
The Gateway Qualifications Access to HE Tutor of the Year Awards celebrate the dedication and support of Access to Higher Education tutors across the country. They highlight the real impact tutors have on their students’ learning journeys and recognise the hard work that often goes unseen.
Reflecting on her nomination Kiran said:
“This nomination is particularly meaningful because the recognition has come from learners. It reflects the positive impact education can have on people’s lives and makes me proud of the work we do with our Access learners.”
Kiran joined Burnley College in 2018 where she started her journey teaching science to 16–18-year-olds.
Two years ago, she progressed into leadership and became Programme Leader for Health, Wellbeing and Inclusive Practice in the Science, Health and Education Division.
More recently, she became involved in Access to Higher Education provision, which she finds incredibly rewarding. She said:
“I understand the challenges some of my learners are balancing with family life, work commitments and studying. I aim to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment and can relate to their experiences and challenges.”
That empathy helps her learners feel confident enough to take on goals they once thought were out of reach.
The Access to Higher Education provision offers a route into university for adults who may not have followed a traditional path. For many, it’s a genuine second chance to pursue ambitions that once felt impossible. Kiran said:
“The Access provision is special because it genuinely changes lives. It provides opportunities for people who may not have followed a traditional route into higher education, and it gives learners a second chance to achieve their ambitions.”
Kiran’s place among the national top 10 reflects not only her own dedication, but the difference Burnley College continues to make in learners’ lives.
Jason Faulkner, Principal and CEO, said: “To be nominated by your own learners and recognised among the top 10 nationally is a remarkable achievement. Kiran is exactly the kind of educator that makes Burnley College the place it is and we are enormously proud of her.”
We wish Kiran every success and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
It’s never too late to go further. If you’ve ever thought university wasn’t for you, our Access to Higher Education courses could change that. Find out more today.
